Bear Hunting Measure Debated Proposition 2 Supporters, Foes Square Off

Idaho hunters say they are under attack from animal rights advocates. But bear-baiting opponents say they are simply out to eliminate what they consider unethical hunting practices.

Proposition 2 supporters and opponents squared off in Boise on Friday, debating a ballot initiative which would limit bear hunting methods in Idaho.

“We’re looking here at a matter of ethics,” said Stew Churchwell of Challis, chairman of Idaho Sportsmen for Fair Hunting. “Hound hunting, baiting, hunting in the spring are not sportsmanlike practices.”

But Don Clower of Meridian, chairman of the Sportsmen’s Heritage Defense Fund, said Idaho residents do not need advice from outsiders.

“We don’t believe that out-of-state animal rights organizations should come into this state and tell Idaho how to manage one of its greatest natural resources,” Clower said.

In Idaho, hunters can use bait to lure bears out of hiding, hounds can chase and tree the bears and hunters can kill bears in the spring when mothers are caring for their cubs.

The Idaho Coalition United for Bears and related groups collected more than the 41,335 signatures required to earn a spot on the Nov. 5 ballot. Most of their money came from the Humane Society of the United States, which contributed $42,500 toward the campaign. Overall, I-CUB spent about $50,000 during its signature drive, compared to the $205,000 its opponents spent.

Clower said Idaho voters who signed the petitions were misled.

“I don’t believe the people of the state that signed the initiative really understand the issue,” he said.

Twenty-nine states allow bear hunting. Of those, 19 allow hound hunting and 10 permit baiting. Six states allow spring hunting. Idaho and Alaska are the only states that allow all three practices. Proposition 2 backers hope Idaho will join Colorado and Oregon, states that recently moved to prohibit these three practices.

Earlier this week, Lt. Gov. Butch Otter said opponents of bear baiting have a broader agenda and hope to outlaw all hunting, rodeos, even cattle branding. Churchwell denied that claim during Friday’s debate.

“Hunting is a way of life for me. The only meat I eat is wild game,” he said. “If this were going to stop hunting, I would have a problem with that.”